As part of linking Ibadan to every geo- political zone of Nigeria and the world, Air Peace has launched scheduled flight operations to Ibadan Airport.
The inaugural flight, operated with the airline’s brand new Embraer 195-E2 aircraft, touched down at about 11am and was greeted with a water cannon wetting by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, fire service unit.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in his welcome address stated that the coming of Air Peace to the state is a big relief to travellers as the airline has immediately “crashed the airfare from Ibadan to Abuja to affordable level.”
Makinde, who said the state would make the route an economically viable one for the airline, added: “The coming of Air Peace will strengthen and enhance the economy of the state. We have a dry port here that will facilitate the clearing of goods in record time.
“This will take the stress off importers in the state and neighbouring states and save them the stress of going to Lagos port to clear goods.”
Makinde, who also inaugurated the Airport Protocol Lounge rehabilitated by the state government, disclosed that the contract for the construction of an aviation fuel facility at the airport has been awarded.
He said the facility would enable airline operators to use Ibadan as their operational base.
The governor said the state would also ensure that the airport serves as an immediate alternative to the Lagos airport in case of weather or other challenges.
He expressed optimism that the commencement of air flight operations by Air Peace airline at Ibadan, would promote the economy of the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, promised to link Ibadan to every geo- political zone of the country.
Onyema said opening of the Ibadan route is part of the airline’s “no-city-left-behind” aimed at interconnecting various cities across.
He stated, “Plans are already on to commence Port Harcourt to Ibadan flight. Ibadan to Kano flight is also already in the pipeline. I believe in the oneness of Nigeria. As a nationalist, I am going to connect all cities in the country.
“I will link Ibadan to the South-South, South-East, North-East, North-West and every part of the country. I believe in the unity of the country.”
Other dignitaries at the airport to witness the inuagural flight included officials of the state government, former National Assembly members, including Senator Kola Balogun and Chief Lekan Alabi who delivered the OluIbadan welcome address.
Omotayo Araoye